NAKHON RATCHASIMA, Thailand (Interstat) — Substitute Phon-ek Maneekorn scored in the 62nd minute and defender Hein Phyo Win added a critical insurance goal in the eighth minute of second-half stoppage time to lift visiting Prachuap to a 2-1 victory over Nakhon Ratchasima in Thai League 1 action on Sunday.

The match, played at His Majesty the King’s 80th Anniversary Stadium, saw Prachuap complete a season sweep of Nakhon Ratchasima, having also won the previous meeting 2-0 last October. The result defied a pregame projection from Interstat, whose game simulator had forecast a 1-1 draw, though its ELO rating system gave Prachuap a 67.8 percent probability to win.

After a scoreless first half, Prachuap broke through just past the hour mark. Midfielder Jork Becerra provided the assist for Phon-ek Maneekorn, who entered the match as a substitute, to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.

The game grew increasingly tense in the final quarter-hour, with five yellow cards issued between the 79th and 89th minutes. Nakhon Ratchasima’s Saharat Kanyarot was booked in the 79th minute, followed by Prachuap’s Becerra a minute later. A confrontation in the 87th minute saw cautions for both Prachuap’s Kōki Tsukagawa and Nakhon Ratchasima’s Nenad Lalic. Prachuap defender Pichitchai Sienkrathok received a yellow in the 89th minute.

Deep into added time, Prachuap sealed the victory. Pichitchai Sienkrathok atoned for his earlier booking by delivering an assist to Hein Phyo Win, who found the net to make it 2-0. Nakhon Ratchasima managed a late consolation goal in the dying moments, but it was not enough to alter the outcome.

The win improves Prachuap’s Thai League 1 record to 10 wins, 9 draws and 8 losses, solidifying a mid-table position. Their overall record across all competitions moves to 11 wins, 10 draws and 9 losses. For Nakhon Ratchasima, the defeat extends a difficult season, dropping their league record to 4 wins, 5 draws and 12 losses. Their overall mark stands at 6 wins, 6 draws and 13 losses.

Prachuap will look to build on the momentum when they host Muangthong United FC next Saturday. Nakhon Ratchasima faces a daunting challenge in its next fixture, also on Saturday, as it welcomes league powerhouse Buriram United to the same venue.